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The University of Bridgeport is proud to announce that Elif Kongar, a professor at the School of Engineering, has been recognized as a leading innovator in the field of engineering by the Connecticut Technology Council (CTC).

In recognition of her accomplishments, Kongar will be among 59 women who will be awarded at the CTC’s tenth annual Women of Innovation® awards dinner on March 27.

The Women of Innovation® program recognizes women across Connecticut who are innovators, role models, and leaders in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

“These Connecticut women are extraordinary and outstanding contributors to their professions, to their employers, and in many cases to their communities,” said Beth Alquist, planning committee chair for the Women of Innovation® awards program.

A winner in each of eight award categories will be announced during the awards dinner. The complete list of 2014 Women of Innovation® is posted on the CTC website.

Dr. Kongar is an associate professor of mechanical engineering and technology management and director of the Technology Management Program at the School of Engineering. During her tenure, she has established research and graduate concentrations and coursework in simulation and modeling, service management and engineering, and economic /environmental sustainability.

She also founded the Sustainable Energy and Environment Laboratory at the School of Engineering. Used to research alternative energy and best practices in environment sustainability, the lab also serves as a model in green engineering. Her service as a faculty fellow on the School of Engineering Industry Advisory Board (IAB) has provided an opportunity to integrate best-industry and problem-solving practices in the curriculum and research endeavors supported by the laboratory.

Kongar earned her PhD in Industrial Engineering from Northeastern University and Bachelor of Science Master of Science degrees in Industrial Engineering from Yildiz Technological University in Istanbul, Turkey. Before joining the University of Bridgeport, Dr. Kongar was a visiting researcher in the Center for Industrial Ecology at Yale University.

The Connecticut Technology Council is a statewide association of technology-oriented companies and institutions, providing leadership in areas of policy advocacy, community building and assistance for growing companies. It seeks to support of the creation of a culture of innovation. This includes working to position Connecticut as a leader in idea creation, workforce preparation, entrepreneurial aptitude, early stage risk capital availability and providing on-going support and mentoring to high potential firms.